One of the big struggles we all face as computer people is how to learn new technologies. How on earth do you take time out from your already busy job to figure out how to use the latest and greatest stuff? In the case of specialized products like Lotus Sametime, Lotus Quickr, and Lotus Connections it's even harder because a lot of the information you'll find on the Internet is in the form of marketing-related materials, not tutorials and learning materials.

At the risk of sounding like a thinly disguised sales pitch*, I've got to tell you that if Sametime, Quickr, or Connections is on your corporate or consulting radar at all, you should really try to make it to Collaboration University this year.

First, there's the session list that Rob Novak recently posted. Take a look at the session titles and tell me where else are you going to get that kind of knowledge? Not only is it excellent material, but the speakers are all either from IBM or are consultants who have very deep knowledge of installing and working with the products.

Second, you have extremely good access to the speakers throughout the conference. You've got questions? This may be the best opportunity you have to get answers. The speakers are available at lunch, between sessions, and at the receptions. (And I jokingly expect the speakers to send me hate mail for encouraging you to track them down during the conference, but then I'm a speaker too. ;-)

So, go to the CollabU website and take a look at the dates and prices for the Chicago and London events. Then go tell your boss that the early registration discount ends soon so you should start the approval process now. Hope to see you there!

* FULL DISCLOSURE: I work for SNAPPS, the CollabU conference producer, and I will be speaking at the event.